Tabitha Fizer, a student currently enrolled in English III Honors, approached Ozarks Romance Authors and asked if we would like to publish the short story she wrote for class. The answer, obviously, was yes. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to nurture the young voices that will become tomorrow's authors.

With this in mind, we invite you to enjoy Tabitha's story, A LOVE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

A Love To Last A Lifetime

By: Tabitha Fizer

“Who is that?”

“That’s my brother, why? Do you like him?”

“Eww, no. I just didn’t know you had a brother. I thought it was your boyfriend or something.”

*******

It was the end of seventh grade year when I was heading home from school that I received a call. A call from my best friend.

“Hello?”

“Hey, do you wanna come stay the night tonight, I have things planned for us to do?” Adilynn asked.

“Uhm, I’ll have to ask my parents but I don’t see why I won’t be able to.”

“Alright, just let me know.”

I honestly just didn’t want to stay the night, but I didn’t want to tell her. I don’t ever get to see her because we have no classes together, but I went ahead and asked my parents…. Well, that didn’t go as plan. They actually said yes. Now, I really don’t have a choice but to go.

*3 Hours Later*

We have to carry in groceries for her mom… wow, they have a lot of groceries, but she has a lot of kids. I just keep thinking to myself, “what did you do to yourself? You’re in for a treat.” I just have to tell myself that the sooner we get to go to bed, the sooner I get to leave, that’s awful, I know, but c'mon now. Have you ever met her family? Jeez.

We sit down to eat dinner when some guy just walks through her door. He’s good-looking oh my. I think it’s her boyfriend but I’m not gonna say anything yet. It’s too early to ask her stuff like that, especially when he just walked through the door. He walked in like it was his house or something. He talks to these people like he knows them or something. How have I never met him?

“Who is that?” I asked.

“Oh, that’s my brother, why? Do you like him?” Adilynn asked as she looks baffled.

“Eww no. I just didn’t know you had a brother. I thought it was your boyfriend or something.”

Right, that’s just where I wanted that conversation to go. That explains why he walked in like it was his house and talks to these people like he knows them. I didn’t want her to say that it was her brother.. I found him extremely attractive.. But, I have to shut this down immediately. This could end up very badly. In fact, I already know it will. It’s my best friend’s brother. That’s enough right there. That’s enough to end our friendship, and everything else I have with this family.

* 4 Days Later *

I saw him today, looking more superior than he was before. He’s just something that truly is ample. I want to give him my number but I’m too anxious. I don’t want to tell her that I think I like him. Gosh, that sounded so daft. What if I’m actually falling for her brother?

I sat down in the cafeteria waiting for Adilynn to get here, when I see her brother sit down right across from me. I know I’m blushing, but I can’t help it. Brody kept staring at me but I didn’t want to tell him to stop. I kinda admired being the center of attention for once but I can’t keep getting used to this. He’s going to end up breaking me at the end of this, and I’m not giving any care in the world because I like him. Oh goodness, this is exactly what mom told me not to do. “Paige, don’t get your heart broken from someone who is going to be in your life for a long time because of his sister. It’s not going to be fair to you,” I can still hear her telling me.

Maybe mom is right. She’s always right. No matter how many times I tell myself she doesn’t know what she’s talking about, she does. She’s watching out for her baby girl and I just keep taking it for granted. I know one day that I’m going to regret not telling my mom that I love her, even when she’s being unshakable. I’m going to regret ever yelling at her, rolling my eyes at her, and just never wanting to be home with her anymore. She’s annoying all the time when she thinks she’s right. She’ll always be my lifelong best friend.

I walk to class thinking about Brody when I noticed I now have a class with Adilynn because she switched rotations. I was beyond glad that she was in there with me. I think she’s finally the friend that understands m. Now it’s time to tell Adilynn how I’m feeling because this isn’t okay. I have to tell her that I like her brother and that I’m sorry.

“Hey Adilynn, can I talk to you about a few things?”

“Yeah, why couldn’t you?”

“I just don’t want to talk to you and bother you if you have things to be doing.”

“Paige, stop procrastinating and tell me.”

Wow, I didn’t even realize I was procrastinating. My mind is just trotting. What could possibly go wrong? She could tell me she hates me. She could tell me to never talk to her again, or better yet, to get rid of these feelings I have because I will ruin everything. Now I just don’t want to tell her. I have myself over thinking about the negative side of things and I can’t help it. That’s what everyone does, right? Wrong. Nobody over thinks like I do. I cry all the time. I’m such a big baby. Goodness, maybe I shouldn’t tell her and let it just work itself out.

“Listen, Adilynn, I’m falling for Brody. I never wanted to. I had no intentions of falling in love with him. I thought he was your boyfriend so I didn’t want to fall for him. Ever since that night, my mind has been racing about him. I’ve been thinking about having a future with him, and just being his best “girl” friend. Even though I don’t know him like you do, he seems like a phenomenal person. I don’t want to get head over heels if it’s just gonna get shut down now. I feel like he’s something I’m willing to work for. My heart fills up with butterflies whenever I see him and you saw me this morning when he sat across from me. I was blushing like crazy.”

“I don’t know what to say Paige. I don’t want you getting hurt because I know what he’s capable of. It’s not good. He’s my brother and yeah, he’s a great guy but he’s not sophisticated yet. He doesn’t know what he wants. He’s still figuring it out. But, do whatever you feel is right and I’ll try and support you through it.” Adilynn said.

Wow, that went better than planned. I can’t believe that God actually blessed me with this human being for a friend… Although it’s only been a few months of being friends, she actually gets me. She truly understands me. I still just can’t believe it.

Later that night, as I’m sitting on my bed doing homework, I get this mysterious text.“Hey beautiful.” I don’t know if I should be distressed. I haven’t gave a guy my number in so long and I still have all of their numbers in my phone, so maybe it’s a really close family friend? I don’t know but I don’t want to be rude and not text back.

“Hi? Do I know who you are?” I replied.

“Well, I kinda hope so. I see you everyday with that huge smile of yours. It’s Brody, Paige.”

OH MY GOODNESS!!! He actually has my number. I should be upset with Adilynn for giving my number out without even asking, so I call her. “Hey, did you give Brody my number?” She was really indecisive so I’m just gonna say that she didn’t and maybe her boyfriend gave Brody my number. He’s one of my best friends, so maybe. “No, I didn’t give Brody your number. I can barely remember it myself. Why?” Adilynn asked. I shouldn’t have to explain myself, I think she knows. She knows how much I wanted this moment to happen. “Oh, it’s nothing. He just texted me and it was random. I just wanted to know if you gave him my number but maybe it was Ryker. I’m sorry.” I hung up instantaneously.

She didn’t sound okay. I was only thinking of myself and totally ignored the fact that she wasn’t. I never think of anybody else when I’m thrilled and actually show emotion. Maybe I should call her back, but maybe I need to give her some space. I’ll just text her, actually.

“Hey, I didn’t even realize that you sounded off today, is something bothering you that I can try and help with? Even if you need me to just listen. Please tell me what’s going on.” I sent it.

“Hey Paige, I’m not okay. I’m at my breaking point for right now. Everytime I try and talk to somebody, they don’t care. I just don’t understand my life. I’m in the worst possible position for me to concentrate on school. I don’t know if I’m ready for myself to open up about it. My family are the only people who know. I just want a friend to actually stick with me for once and let me be the best person I can.”

Okay, wow. I finally come to realize that everyone eventually gives up on her. I thought she was going to tell me what’s going on but I’ll take that answer. I don’t understand why Adilynn feels like she doesn’t have anybody that she can talk too. I’m always here for her, even if I’m not always at my best place, I will be that friend she needs in life. What if she honestly needs me and I’m just not showing her that I’m going to be that friend?

“Listen, Adilynn, I’m going to be that friend that shows you who I am as a person. I’m going to be one of those people who are down to listen about anything, even if I’m not in a good place, I’ll always try and help you out. You’re honestly a great person but you need to stop feeling this way. Talk to me, and tell me how you feel.

“Paige, you can’t tell anybody. My relationship with Jeremiah is so depleting. I believe I sincerely do love him even though he’s abusive. I know that I’m just 13, but I love this guy. He’s the only person that’s met my family and hasn’t walked away. He knows my deepest, darkest secrets. Please don’t tell anybody, not even my mom. Jeremiah is a great guy, but not for a serious relationship right now. I believe that once he figures out what he’s doing, that he won’t do it again. He knows I get scared when he starts swinging. I can’t tell my mom because he’s the only close thing I have. There’s also something else I need to talk to someone about, but it’s not the right time.”

“I’m really glad I was the person you told that to, Adilynn. I know you love Jeremiah, but is that really the relationship you want to be in? Do you want to look back and remember him as the guy who beat you? If you was to have his kid, did you want to tell your kid that their dad is the guy who physically beat you? You’re my best friend Adilynn and just reading that text broke my heart. It’s only been about a year and a half of being friends but that’s a little absurd. I’ve never met this guy, but I’m going to take your word about him being a good guy, but now that I know that, I will never picture him the same. Just know that whenever you’re ready to talk about the other thing, that I’ll be there. I’m going to go to bed.” I replied, that was it for me.

Truth is, I’m not really going to bed but I need to get away from that topic. I need to sleep or listen to music. I don’t understand her sometimes. She’s my best friend but how could she let someone do that to her?

Brody is fantastic. My heart still beats whenever I see him but now I need to ask Ryker if he’s giving my number away because that’s not cool. Ryker is Adilynn’s boyfriend and Brody’s best friend. If he would have asked to give him my number, it’d be a whole different story but he just got my number out of the blue.

“Ryker, please stop giving my number away. You can’t just do that without permission. Because of you, Brody now has my number, so thank you. Goodnight.

*Six Hours Later*

It’s seriously like three in the morning and my phone is going crazy. Who could that possibly be? Brody. That’s who it is. He’s being all sweet and everything but he needs to go to bed. I have to be up in three hours and everybody knows what I’m like when I don’t get enough sleep for the day.

Now that it’s six, I don’t want to get up. I’m just having a really rough month and the only thing that’s motivating me is Brody. Brody is ALWAYS on my mind anymore and I don’t know why. I’ve never actually got to know him like I usually do with other people. I just have my heart set for him. What’s the worst that could go wrong?

I walk into the school and head straight for the cafeteria, hoping Adilynn is already here. When I get there, Ryker told me that Adilynn won’t be at school today but Brody will. I didn’t care that Brody was going to be there, he’s irrelevant right now. Although I’m berserk about this kid, I didn’t care at this point, at least until school is over.

School is now over and as I’m walking to the bus, Brody pulls me to the side.

“Uh, hi Brody. What’s wrong?” I said. “Nothing Paige, nothing is wrong. I just want to talk to you about something. I know you got my texts last night because you’ve been avoiding me all day today. I know how you feel about me, Adilynn told me. You’re something memorable Paige. Maybe we can go to the movies or something and then go to dinner and talk.” I didn’t know what to think. Was he really asking me to go to the movies?

“Okay Brody, I’m in. When are we going?”

“How about Friday? Is that okay?” He asked. “Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, I’m going to go now.” I said as I bolted away.

Wow. Did I really just say that? What am I doing? I’m already messing things up. As I walk to the bus, I look back to see if he’s still watching me walk away. Yeah, he sure was. He looked so sad and with today, I didn’t seem to care at all, but now that I walked away, I feel horrendous. I should probably talk to him, but I need to go home. My mind is racing, goodness I’m such a bad person. Why would anybody want to go on a date with me?

*Friday*

Today is the day that I go on my date with Brody and I’m starting to get knots in my stomach. Good knots though. I can get through school and make it until tonight, I’m just jumping off the walls, I’m so excited but yet so scared. This could go wrong in so many ways, but I’m just going to wing it.

When I get to school, Adilynn is waiting for me. She has the sad eyes, that could kill a heart in an instant. I don’t know if I should walk away from this moment or go see what’s wrong.

“Okay, is there somewhere else you want to talk?”“Follow me. Okay, so a few weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer, and it’s hitting a big place in my life. I know Brody hasn’t said anything to you but it’s true. I’ve been really down about it, so I’m sorry.”

“Adilynn, it’s okay. I understand. Maybe I should tell Brody not tonight so you can all be home with your mom. I love you, okay?”

“Paige, don’t even think about canceling on Brody. This has been all he talks about. He wants you right now. He’s strong-willed to get you, so don’t cancel. We can be with my mom another time.”

Maybe I’m over-reacting, but this sounds so bad. I don’t want to go on this date anymore. He’s going through so much and he’s just trying to stay away from it. Poor Brody. I can’t ditch him, after all, he is the guy I’ve been chasing for so long. *Look down at phone*. Oh my goodness, Paige. What are you doing?! It’s 5:30 and Brody is coming to get me in thirty minutes, and I haven’t gotten anywhere with getting ready.

*Thirty Minutes Later*

Brody is here to pick me up and my heart is filled with butterflies. This date is going to be so good that we’re going to have another one, I have confidence. So, turns out we are going to Olive Garden and we are going to the movies. I don’t like Olive Garden at all, but I have to suck it up for the sake of this date. We go and see The House At The End Of The Street and he actually grabbed my hand. I honestly think I’m falling in love with Brody and it’s going to be hard to tell Adilynn.

*One Year Later*

It’s the last day of my eighth grade year and I’m coming to realization that I graduate eighth grade tonight. Everything went by so fast. I went through middle school faster than I thought. I just blinked and here I am, graduating the eighth grade, leaving middle school behind me.

The time is here. It’s time to graduate the eighth grade with my best friend. I’ve always wanted to graduate with my best friend, but better yet, my crush that I’ve went on a date with. They both walk behind me when we get our names called, which is cool I guess. We all get our middle school diplomas as we walk across the floor, everyone cheering for us. I’ve never been so happy in my life that now, I’m definitely looking forward to my high school years.

Well, now that we’ve graduated, I have a date, tonight. I’m already dressed up so we just go straight from graduation. It’s our time, now or never. As we are on the way to this secret place, Brody reaches across the car just to hold my hand. Now, I’ve definitely got the butterflies in my stomach. The kind that people just don’t understand. I’m so young, that nobody believes me but sometimes, they kill the inside of me because they get to happy and flutter away.

*Two Years Later*

We’re sophomores now. It’s crazy to think that in these short periods of times, people so close to us could be our priority. Brody is more than certainly, my priority. I’ve never felt so happy before. I’m more excited and happy now than I was when I found out that I was going to be a big sister… to a little brother. You should have been there for that day.

Adilynn and I have plans to get our nails done for our formal dance in a week. I can’t ask Brody because it just doesn’t feel right, right now anyways. Brody and I haven’t been in the best situation for us to be perfectly fine at a formal dance. I just don’t understand how things have gotten like this. He’s so great, that I’m actually about to throw everything away. I don’t know what else to do. How could he do this to everything we had? To me?

It’s time for the formal and things with Brody and I have gotten so worse that now, we aren’t even speaking. I really wanted this formal to be him and I but instead here I am, going with Adilynn. This wasn’t the plan at all, we made a plan for it to be Brody and I but I can forget about Brody. He ruined everything.

*One Year Later*

It’s now my junior year of high school and Brody and I haven’t spoken in a while but I genuinely love him. He’s the one person anybody can count on and his whole personality can light up a room. He’s truly something special. Brody is my best friend and just a great person. Brody has that smile that lights up the room, his big brown/green eyes are so bright. His hair is so beautiful. He’s the one person I will always have a love of a lifetime with. If you get the opportunity to meet someone like him, don’t let them go. They are truly special, and will love you unconditionally even when you feel like you can’t be loved. Throughout this journey growing up, I’ve figured out that some people are worth fighting for.